Indiana Republicans eager to swoop up seats in House

Gains in House would empower party to push through agenda

7:28 AM,
Apr. 9, 2012

Rep. Vanessa Summers, D-Indianapolis, uses her iPad to take video at the back of the Indiana House of Representatives on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, when union workers protested discussion of the "right-to-work" bill.

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No matter which legislative candidates you choose in the May 8 primary election, the ultimate winner may have been predetermined by the Indiana General Assembly.

Republicans have redrawn district boundaries in the Indiana House in a way that favors their party. Coupled with the retirement of several long-serving Democrats, Republicans have a chance to win at least 67 districts -- seven more than they now hold. With so large a majority, they could pass legislation even if House Democrats were to walk out again.

"I'm sure they drew those districts to maximize their chances of having that ...